Wisdom for Wisdom

Going to college is more expensive than ever. At Arizona Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, we want to help. Our first annual Wisdom for Wisdom program is designed to provide one deserving student with the opportunity to make their textbooks for the upcoming academic year more affordable by offsetting the cost with a free wisdom tooth extraction.

The application period for the Wisdom for Wisdom program is now closed. Read our recipient’s essay below!

Recipient Name: Valentino

School: University of Arizona

“As a first-generation college student, I have known how tough times can be. Being said that I am the first in my family to attend a major college or university, I understand the imperative struggle for an income as both my parents and my eldest brother proceeded directly to the workforce to help support all six of us. I also see how important scholarships, work study, FAFSA, and grant money truly are because without receiving as many scholarships and grants as I have, I would not be able to attend post-secondary school based solely on the fact that the money to send me to school would not exist in my family. This was my motivation in high school, pushing me to do well. Overall, I ended my high school career top five in my class ranking at number four, I achieved over 800 hours of community service, took eight AP course and two college courses while in high school. I was also outgoing as I was the Vice President of three clubs as a junior and was President of our schools National Honor Society my senior year. Another notable achievement is that I received recognition from one of Arizona’s Congressmen, Raul Grijalva, in the form of a certificate sealed with an official stamp from the House of Representatives. I participated in volunteer clubs such as AmeriCorps and assisted my school’s student council. I was involved in my college leadership groups such as TRiO and STEP (Student Expedition Program). In my high school career, I saw early on that the only way that I would truly be able to attend the University of Arizona was by myself. Of course, a great multitude of people helped me in great and fantastic ways, but it was ultimately my responsibility. With of this being said, the Wisdom for Wisdom program is an opportunity like no other. I truly acknowledge the fact that this is a once in a lifetime chance, and I admire this. The program, if I was selected, would be nothing less than amazing. By this, I mean that I would not have to impede on my parents by forcing them to take out a loan or to pawn valuable items away as we have done many times before. It would greatly assist me as I have been needing to receive this type of dental work for some time, but funds have been short. Along with the removal of four of my wisdom teeth, I will then need to get braces. But once again, because we have not had the appropriate resources for the operation, it has delayed my chances of receiving braces. So, once more, if I am selected as a recipient of this wonderful opportunity, to me it would be a stepping stone into my future while not being a step backward in my family’s financial future.”

To request a consultation and learn more about how we can help improve your smile, please request an appointment now.